2008 Toyota Land Cruiser: Road Test
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $64,100 -
- Invoice: $56,088 -
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Toyota Land Cruiser
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser help you decide if a 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
The new powertrain results in strong off-the-line punch and good passing power, helped by the transmission's quick kickdowns and smooth shifts. One test Land Cruiser suffered a pronounced driveline clunk when accelerating from low speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged a respectable 16.2 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.4 |
Suspension smothers bumps with little disturbance or undue bobbing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.2 |
Body lean is fairly well controlled, though the high seating position amplifies what tipping there is in fast corners. Responsive steering, combined with a fairly tight turning radius, results in good maneuverability for such a large vehicle.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.8 |
Wind, road, and engine noise are well controlled, even at highway speeds, making the Land Cruiser as quiet as some luxury cars. The mufflers have a valve that opens under full throttle to reduce back pressure and increase power, and the exhaust note changes to a muted growl when it does.
CONTROLS
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.9 |
Only navigation-equipped models were made available for testing. Large gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. All audio, climate, and navigation controls are mounted high on the dashboard within easy reach. The navigation system absorbs the radio station-select buttons and some of the automatic climate-control functions, seriously complicating what should be simple adjustments.
DETAILS
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.4 |
Most surfaces nicely padded except the console, and materials are generally luxury grade. Workmanship is likewise impressive.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.6 |
Large, comfortable seats with lots of adjustments combine with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and ample headroom and legroom for first-class accommodations. Visibility is OK except to the rear corners, particularly with the 3rd-row seats stowed. Standard rear-obstacle detection helps, as does the optional (with navigation system) rearview camera. Ingress and egress are easy enough, though the lack of available running boards might make it more difficult for shorter folks.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.1 |
Accommodations are impressive here, too, with plenty of headroom and legroom on comfortable seats that can fit three across in a pinch. However, foot space is tight unless the front seats are raised. Passengers get their own audio and climate controls. As in front, the step-in height is reasonable, though with no running boards, it might offer a challenge to children. Second-row seats slide fore and aft about 3 inches; they need to be forward if 3rd-row passengers are to have much legroom. The 3rd row is fairly easy to access and there's good headroom, but foot space is scarce and the low cushion forces anyone but small children into a knees-up position.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 8.5 |
A sore spot. It isn't as easy to go from 8-passenger seating to maximum cargo space as it is in most SUVs. Oddly, Toyota retained the Land Cruiser's inconvenient side-stowing split 3rd-row seat, the halves of which can't be easily removed and are quite heavy. If left in place, each half can be stowed against its respective side wall, but that requires removing the headrest, folding the seat, and then swinging it up against the wall. That leaves only a narrow cargo area in the middle, and the folded seats block visibility to the rear corners. Second-row seats fold easily. Interior storage is quite good, with large, two-tiered glove and console boxes, a pair of covered console cupholders, and large map pockets with cupholders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.3 |
The first redesigned Land Cruiser in 10 years continues to draw upon its storied off-road prowess while maintaining its impressive on-road manners and luxurious accommodations. But inconvenient passenger-to-cargo conversion and a steep, $7000 price hike make it a good value only to high-rolling off-roaders and Land Cruiser loyalists.
Total Score
| Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 71 | 68.5 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
